Pilot incapacitation occurrences 2010–2014

Australian Transport Safety Bureau
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is an independent Commonwealth
Government statutory agency. The ATSB is governed by a Commission and is
entirely separate from transport regulators, policy makers and service providers.
The ATSB’s function is to improve safety and public confidence in the aviation,
marine and rail modes of transport through excellence in: independent investigation
of transport accidents and other safety occurrences; safety data recording, analysis
and research; fostering safety awareness, knowledge and action.
The ATSB is responsible for investigating accidents and other transport safety
matters involving civil aviation, marine and rail operations in Australia that fall within
Commonwealth jurisdiction, as well as participating in overseas investigations
involving Australian registered aircraft and ships. A primary concern is the safety of
commercial transport, with particular regard to operations involving the travelling
public.
The ATSB performs its functions in accordance with the provisions of the Transport
Safety Investigation Act 2003 and Regulations and, where applicable, relevant
international agreements.
Purpose of safety investigations
The object of a safety investigation is to identify and reduce safety-related risk.
ATSB investigations determine and communicate the factors related to the
transport safety matter being investigated.
It is not a function of the ATSB to apportion blame or determine liability. At the
same time, an investigation report must include factual material of sufficient weight
to support the analysis and findings. At all times the ATSB endeavours to balance
the use of material that could imply adverse comment with the need to properly
explain what happened, and why, in a fair and unbiased manner.
› 29